Electron Energy Levels
Definition
Electron energy levels refer to specific regions or shells around an atom's nucleus where electrons can be found. These energy levels determine the amount of energy an electron possesses.
Analogy
Picture electron energy levels as different floors in a skyscraper. Each floor represents a different level or shell where electrons can reside. Just like how people on different floors have varying amounts of potential energy due to their height from the ground, electrons in different energy levels have varying amounts of energy.
Related terms
Valence Electrons: Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom. They are involved in chemical bonding and determine the reactivity of an element.
Excited State: Excited state refers to when an electron absorbs energy and moves to a higher energy level.
Ground State: Ground state is the lowest possible energy state of an electron within an atom's electron energy levels.
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